The latest Jetta-branded model in
China has just been unveiled in the form of the VS7, a large SUV that follows
on from the smaller VS5 presented earlier this year. The seven-seater Jetta
VS7 was first previewed to the world at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and
this week, has been presented in the lead-up to the Guangzhou Auto Show before
launching in the first quarter of 2020. It is essentially a re-badged Seat
Tarraco.
Those familiar with the VS5 will
immediately recognize the VS7 as it shares many design traits with its smaller
sibling. Up front, for example, there are angular headlights incorporated
nicely into the edges of the hexagonal grille. There are also diagonal LED
daytime running lights found up front. Viewed from the rear, the similarities
between the duo continue thanks largely to the presence of taillights that are
almost identical to each other.
Really differentiating the VS7 from the
VS5 is the addition of a third row of seats and its size. Whereas the VS5 is 4,419
mm long, the VS7 is more generously proportioned at 4,624 mm long. It is equally as wide as the VS5 (1,841 mm)
and slightly taller at 1,633 mm with a wheelbase that is 2,730 mm compared to the 2,630 mm of the VS5.
In terms of power, the Jetta VS7 is
powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 150 hp. This engine can
be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. It
remains to be seen if other engine options will be added down the road. Jetta was created by
the Volkswagen Group and joint venture partner JAW Group in China in late
February.
